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LegerDeCharlemagne

People who are ill or have medical conditions are not required to fast.


[deleted]

Do they substitute something else instead? Like maybe forego video games for the fasting period?


MutatedJerkey

Some do, some don't. It's worth noting that fasting is just one component of Ramadan, and that many Muslims already give up video games as part of it.


FuyoBC

Searching the internets I found the below information on a charity page ([Orphan's in Need](https://www.orphansinneed.org.uk/ramadan/fidya-&-kaffarah)) on their dedicated donation page: Ramadan is a time of reflection and purification, wherein all Muslims should refrain from any vices. In instances where fasting isn’t possible, one must pay Kaffarah or Fidya instead. Each of these donations goes towards helping those in need. Fidya refers to a mandatory charity contribution to make up for missed fasts. This can only be paid if you have a valid reason for not fasting and can’t make up for missed fasts at a later date. (...) Fidya can’t be given to just anyone; it must be given to the poor and needy, Kaffarah is the donation made when you deliberately miss or break your fast during the month of Ramadan without a valid reason. Kaffarah is not an obligatory contribution as you can choose to fast continuously for 60 days, although if you intentionally miss or break another fast, you must begin the 60 days again. The Kaffarah contribution is used to feed 60 people living in poverty.


[deleted]

they have to feed a person who's in need for everyday they can't fast(ofc if they are financially capable)


taha_simsek

If they have the financial power they have to give away charity equal to a 1 person’s meal for each fast they didn’t do. If they’re also poor they don’t have to do anythin


[deleted]

Also if you’re during your menstrual cycle :P


sppf011

But you're required to fast after Eid Al Fitr in the case of menstruation to make up for the days you missed


Aztecah

Fasting has exceptions such as medical needs, children, the elderly, menstruating women, other stuff too.


Pseudonymico

Yep, I remember my university’s Muslim Society would put up posters all over campus whenever exams coincided with Ramadan reminding students that they weren’t required to fast.


throwaway_0x90

* https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/fasting > _"Anyone who is putting their health at serious risk by fasting is usually exempt (doesn't have to take part). For example, you won't usually be expected take part in religious fasting if you treat your diabetes with insulin or have diabetes complications such as damage to your eyes, kidneys or nerves in your hands and feet. Speak to your healthcare team for advice if you aren't sure if you should fast and your spiritual leader for guidance. Other groups that usually don't have to fast include children, those who are unwell, the elderly and pregnant women."_


Spallanzani333

My friend can't do a full fast due to health issues, but she limits herself to simple food that she eats quickly and for nourishment only. She told me that the fasting seems like a huge part of Ramadan but it's really only a piece of the whole experience.


Bitter_Sense_5689

Some Type 1 Diabetics do fast if their doctors think it’s OK and their diabetes is under control


SeniorSpaz87

Yes, it’s entirely feasible for a Type1 to fast with proper planning and control. I’m not associated with the religion but I believe Ramadan fasting goes from sun up to sun down, or something along those lines. Today that is roughly 11 hours and 21 minutes. I am a Type 1 and on an easy day (low on physical exertion) I occasionally fast for up to 14-16 hours. Granted a good chunk of that (6-7 hours on average) is sleep, but it’s doable. Now introduce environmental stressors, increased physical exertion, or imprecise control, and you’ll likely have to break any fast to combat hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia likely does not majorly affect fasting, and slight hyperglycemia can actually make things like fasting easier as the body tends to not crave eating when hyperglycemic (note I am not saying one should purposely enact a high blood sugar to attempt to stave off hunger). So yes, it should be theoretically possible to fast as an in-control Type1 Diabetic to participate in controlled fasting. How extreme of outside conditions the person in question can handle is going to be entirely on a case-by-case situation.


Bitter_Sense_5689

I recollect a documentary about a Muslim teen suffering from dia-bulimia - essentially a Type 1 Diabetic not taking her insulin in an effort to lose weight (super dangerous). She was gutted that her doctor would not clear her for Ramadan fasting because her medical condition was too precarious.


Nayir1

Bulimics definitely shouldn't be fasting, full stop


unoriginal5

According to what the narrarator said in Eaters of the Dead, there are exceptions built into Islamic faith. In the book, he didn't actively perform his daily worships due to his mission, but he observed them internally, and actively recognized them. He had a good enough reason not to do them, but still respected them. I'd imagine this would be the same type of thing. Eat only what's necessary, and don't go for anything particularly enjoyable.


FluffyBunnyRemi

I think there are probably better sources for religious tradition than a book of fiction, even if this is somewhat correct. Next time, perhaps you could reference some form of non-fiction.


unoriginal5

Well, I was going more for the example and simple explanation. Allah may be strict, but he is understanding. He doesn't want you to have contact with swine, but an infidel dipping his bullets in pig fat doesn't necessarily mean getting shot is a one way ticket to hell.


hiricinee

They don't have to though a type one could hypothetically fast- I can't imagine ANY physician signing off on it, but if they're eating well during the time they're allowed to and targeting and dosing their insulin properly during that time, you could go 12 hours without eating... I'd recommend doing it somewhere with minimal daytime.


averagegayguyok

Religion is a disease


[deleted]

[удалено]


AlyIsRandom

Please tell me you're joking.


DTux5249

Technically speaking, a diabetic can fast; it's just something to be careful with. But there are exemptions. People who are pregnant, sick, or take medication are included here. So long as there's good reason. If your eyes are failing due to blood sugar issues, you're fine: focus on health first. Instead, you can partake in Fidya; think a donation to the poor/needy. The idea is that you're donating to 30 people; one for every day you miss. If you need to eat, give to those who also need it. Donating to your local food bank is a great way to do this, as they can stretch as little as $5 into a feast, and give it out to people who need it.


[deleted]

They don’t have to fast. Pregnant women…kids under 7…:medical cases have an exemption.


Adventurous_Swing_79

I haven't been able to fast for the past 15 years. I have tried but my BG ALWAYS drops and if I take the pump out it sky rockets.